2014: A huge year for Disneyland Paris

When looking back at 2013, it almost seems as if it was all build up to this mega year that we have just entered. We know that the big thing on the radar is the Ratatouille attraction in the summer. But that's not all, there is a great sense of optimism for the year that lies ahead. So, what can we look forward to?

LEGO Store
After almost six months since Hollywood Pictures closed in Disney Village, it's almost time for the new store to open in its place. The store suffered a number of setbacks including the incredibly unfortunate roof collapse, but now it's almost ready. In the coming days or weeks the launch will happen to the press, and guests will be discovering a new product range in perhaps the most unique store in Disney Village. Famous Disney scenes will be depicted in LEGO in this, the largest of the European LEGO stores.
It's a small addition, but one that is very welcome in Disney Village and will be immensely popular - Let's look forward to welcoming them to the Disneyland Paris family.

Spring Time
It might come as no surprise that there is no yearly celebration this year something that hasn't happened since the 15th anniversary seven years ago. So, after the usual low season after Christmas, what will be in the parks? Well, according to the current rumours we'll be seeing the return of the Festival des Fleurs from April until July. This festival could see some famous Disney scenes in a flower form, but one thing is certain, the park will look stunning with the flowers. I've always been a great admirer of the work that the Disney gardeners do, I just know we won't be let down by this. Prepare to be amazed.


Ratatouille: L'Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy

Obviously this is the major pull of the upcoming year, this is why you'll be booking trips over there. The latest images from InsideDLParis show an incredible facade being created in La Place de Rémy as it's been called in the French press release (but not in the English release). Aside from this new trackless ride that will be unique in the world, the new land will feature a restaurant Bistrot Chez Rémy and a shop Chez Marianne Souvenirs de Paris. The restaurant should open at the same time as the attraction, whereas the shop will be a little later in the Autumn and will offer a unique style of restaurant (as detailed in this article from Dedicated to DLP). 




Halloween & Christmas
Naturally, as of yet there is no news on these, but if they keep expanding at the rate they have been these last couple of years, I'm expecting big things from them both. Even if Christmas doesn't change much, I'll be very content. These seasons are becoming a staple of the end of year in Disneyland Paris. I cannot wait to see what they come up with this year. 

And so, there we have it.  That's a brief overview of the fantastic things to come to Disneyland Paris this year. Get your seat belts on, it's going to be one heck of a ride. 
Coming up soon: I'll share my wishes for 2014 at Disneyland Paris.

 

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Pins heading your way in 2014. (Picutres included)

A couple of weeks ago, Disneyland Paris hosted their end of year pin trading event, as usual it was a chance to preview some of the fantastic new pins on the way in 2014. (Unlike at the Summer event, where the art work said 2014, but they were mostly released in the Autumn). Thanks to Disneyland Paris pin trading facebook pin trading pages, we can show you a few of these pins. Overall, the pins this coming year are very promising, and have two very clear themes: Dreams! and Paris. Paris is going to be everywhere in Disneyland Paris this year, and why not? Not every Disney Park can celebrate being that close to one of the world's most beautiful cities.

 Let's begin with what is, for me, the stars of the show. The wonderful attractions pins from 2013 return and get even better. We've already seen the release of the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster pin in December, January sees the release of the Pirates of the Caribbean, Tower of Terror and Crush's Coaster pin. Coming up are some even more amazing pins, Big Thunder Mountain, Alice's Curious Labyrinth, Blanche Neige et les sept nains and Flying Carpets over Agrabah. All of these are essential to my collection, what about yours? I know these have gone down very well with Disneyland Paris fans, which means we are perhaps likely to see even more after this.

 

Next up, are the Cast Member refresh pins, these are pins given to Cast Members wearing a lanyard with the aim of giving them to guests through pin trades. A good set this year, I really like the Sheriff Woody badge and the Flynn Rider pin. 

The next set of pins are of a Minnie Mouse dots theme, these are super stylish and could even be described as 'Parisian chic' beginning a bit of a Parisian year for Disneyland Paris.

So, this is the first set of true Parisian pins which are in the style of the Paris metro, they look fantastic and keep very much in the traditional Parisian style. Characters are featured from films including Aristocats, Hunchback of Notre Dame and 101 Dalmatians.

More Parisian pins here, this time in the form of Eiffel Towers, these are Eiffel towers with a very subtle Disney twist, the tip of the tower is made out of a Mickey head. Very nice design, a wide variety of Patterns, I'm sure most people will see at least one that they like. (I'm rather fond of the Cheshire Cat and Mickey ones).

From Paris to America now (with a little Union Flag to keep the British happy?). These pins look 'ok'. The idea is nice, the execution is ok. I really don't like the big rectangle shape one featuring Mickey and the three flags. On the other hand, the Main Street USA circular pin really catches my eye.

And Disneyland Paris come out with a new set which I really must own. These look very similar in style to the Dreams pin that came out last May, so I imagine these will be ever so slightly 3D. I really like them, that Rapunzel is going to be hard to find though!

And the Disney Store set continues here with two pins that are going to be park exclusives. The crazy nature of the Disney Store sales means that I won't be buying these - but good luck to those who do.

Finally, the Valentines Day pin for this year which features the Queen of Hearts (get it? It's funny.) I really like it, it's a pin on pin. It's going to look fantastic in real life.

So, what are your opinions on the 2014 releases that we've seen? Obviously this isn't all of them, but from what we can see, 2014 is a bright year in pin trading. All of the pins have artistic merit.  I can't wait to see more and add some of these to my collection.

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